Sony announces previously rumored S1 and S2 Android tablets
We have already seen one dual-screened Android device, the Kyocera Echo, and now another manufacturer has bet on the form factor. The company is Sony and the upcoming entrant into the dual-screen market is the previously rumored S2, made official today along with its bigger non-pocketable brother, the S1.
As suggested by the rumors, the S2 will pack a Tegra 2 and Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Its twin 5.5-inch screens boast a resolution of 1024 x 480 and fold together in a manner similar to that of the Toshiba Libretto. Connectivity includes WiFi B/G/N and 3G or 4G, depending on carrier. Sony has also customized Android to allow for users to display separate applications on either of the screens or use both screens together with a virtual keyboard.
The S2 will ship under Sony's Xperia Play brand and will also include some features of the PlayStation store, including access to Sony's cloud services and content.
The feature I find most interesting is the S2's compatibility with other Sony products, namely TVs and DVD players. The device will be able to use its built-in infrared technology to act as a universal remote for any Sony Bravia branded products you happen to be using in your home. I'm actually not a Sony user, personally, but for those of you who are this feature would be quite useful.
Unfortunately, this interesting tablet will not be available until late 2011, when the excitement level will certainly have died down quite a bit. Late or not, Sony's offering certainly diversifies the Android tablet space, and that is always a good thing.
[Android Central]
